title: Diaries for observation or intervention of health behaviors: factors that predict reactivity in a sexual diary study of men who have sex with men.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Behavioral diaries for observation of health-related behaviors assume absence of reactivity (i.e., change in behavior resulting from observation), while self-monitoring diaries maximize reactivity for behavior change. Little is known about when and for whom behavioral diary studies become self-monitoring interventions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the moderating effects of social cognitive variables on reactivity in sexual risk behavior and risk appraisals in a diary study of men who have sex with men (MSM).
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred forty-three MSM completed weekly online sexual diaries for 3 months. Analyses were conducted with hierarchical linear modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no evidence of reactivity for the sample as a whole. Social cognitive variables (e.g., risk reduction motivation, condom use intentions, and social norms) moderated reactivity in study outcomes. For example, more highly motivated MSM experienced declines in serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effectiveness of behavioral self-monitoring strategies may vary depending on social cognitive domains.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2700, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA, newcomb@northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Newcomb
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mustanski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult